I'm considering buying either an 06 2WD Lariat or an 04 4WD Lariat. Both trucks are in great condition with 122k and 123k miles on their 5.4 engines.

Here's a break down:

'04 4WD 123,000 miles - Original Owner Private Party $12,000
White/Gold 2-Tone Paint
Dual Heated Power Seats
Keyless Entry
Rear Airbags for heavy loads
Tow Package
18" Alloy Wheels
Bed Extender
Bed Liner
Audiophile Sound System
Power Rear Sliding Window
Tube Style Running Boards


'06 2WD 122,000 miles - Dealer (one owner) $12,577 + fees = approx. $13,700
Dark Brown
Driver's Power Seat
Keyless Entry
Tow Package
20" Allow Wheels
Bed Liner
Audiophile Sound System
Alarm System
Power Rear Sliding Window
Tube Style Running Boards


So do I buy the older, more equipped 4WD for $12,000 or the newer, less equipped 2WD for approx. $13,700?
I don't live in an area that needs 4WD, it's just a nice feature to have except when it needs repairs...less MPG too.

Help play devil's advocate.

Thanks

 

It seems you have kind of answered your own question. You said you really won't need 4wd, the 2wd will be a little better on MPG, plus your insurance could likely be lower on the 2wd. Both trucks sound nice, so it seems it really boils down to if you truly will need the 4wd capability. If I never needed the 4wd, I'd go with the newer one

 

This helps. I wasn't even thinking about the insurance issue. Is it possible that the '06 might be safer than the '04?

 

I would get the 06 Lariat 2wd. There were couple bugs earlier in that generation especially 04 and 05 with cam phaser and spark plugs issues. If you need the 4wd, get it but if you don't. The 2wd is fine, plus it'll get slightly better gas mileage with 2wd. I love the look of F150's in this generation.

 

I got rid of my 4x4 in 99 and haven't looked back. On my 2d 4x2 and it's done me well. Even with snow or ice, a limited slip differential and the right tires and I've not had a problem with the places I go.

 

04 and 05's also had fuel injector issues. If you don't need 4x4 I'd go with the 06 or keep searching until the right one comes along.

 

With them both having over 100k, then they have had the bugs already worked out. IMHO I would go for the 4x4. Where I live, you never know when you might need it. The mpgs between the 4x4 and 2x4 are not going to be all that significant. At most, the 2x4 might get a couple more miles to the gallon on the highway. Around town there won't be much difference.